Memorandum

Date: December, 2 2015

To:
Readers
From: Jacob Hallock
Sub: Reflection on rhetorical cannons
Throughout this semester in English 219, we have learned to create many kind of
technical documents. These documents range from simple professional emails, memos,
construction sets, reflections, activity reports and briefings. In this Reflection memo we will be
discussing the five rhetorical cannons invention, arrangement, style memory, and delivery.
Invention is the rhetorical cannon that involves what the writer will say and about the
formation of the subject. The modern application of invention is brainstorming. In class we had
many opportunities to exercise brainstorming. This allowed us to plan out and choose an angle
on our topic. This helped us immensely, especially when it came to the invention of in class
assignments. Invention allowed us to narrow our topics to be effective and succinct. During the
period in which we were developing MWA #3, invention played a critical role in the initial
creation process. We were able to compare different approaches and the relationships between
them. By doing this we furthered our understanding of the topic and exercised the rhetorical
cannon of invention. Invention can be applied easily outside the classroom. Whether its writing
an email to your boss or approaching a situation that involves critical thinking.
Invention/brainstorming can be difference between success or failure.
Arrangement is the rhetorical cannon that revolves around order and outlining. This
particular rhetorical cannon is key to a successful document. Without the proper placement of
information and rhetorical devices a document can easily fail to complete its desired function.
The analogy of a puzzle would better describe the importance of this rhetorical cannon. If you
have all the pieces to a puzzle, you have to use some tool in order to put the pieces together. This
can be applied to any assignment we have done throughout this semester. You can have all the
information and research but you need some tool to place the data in the most logical order.
Outside the class room arrangement is also vital. Organization is the key to success is a saying
that my rhetoric instructor frequently said. Arranging your schedule and organizing your life can
ultimately increase ones odds at success and happiness. Many employers look for applicants that
are that are organized and succinct. Arrangement can mean the difference between landing a job.
Style is the rhetorical cannon concerning how the writer will present their work and the
situation to which it applies. This cannon sets the tone of the document. For example, in an email
or memo the writer should use language that suits its audience, coworkers and superiors. The
tone set should be easy to read, involving a command voice free from bias, concerning need to
know information. The style should dictate how you argue your points and achieve your purpose
under the proper context. In class we exercised the rhetorical canon of style during our
construction sets. Our group created a construction set aimed towards guiding children moving
into middle school. The style we used influenced the language and tone, and the even the

graphics. By doing this we were able to efficiently pass on the need to know information in a
clear succinct manner that addressed our rhetorical situation. Although this project was a group
project, we were able to come together and synchronize our ideas and focus it into a dialect that
was able to function according to our needs.
Memory is the rhetorical cannon that we draw knowledge and personal experience to
support the main points of a document. The rhetorical cannon is also very useful when giving
presentations. Memory aids or mnemonics, is a tool that authors utilize in order to give speeches
and presentations without stuttering. These aids can make your presentation easy to listen to with
a certain flow that compliments your style. We used memory mostly in our most recent MWA.
Our assignment instructed us to create an activity report that concerned the local area. After
writing out the report we began building a power point presentation that imparted the knowledge
to the desired audience. Memory allowed the speakers to communicate the data with a style that
suited the given situation. It also allowed to speaker to use their own personal experience to
support the documents purpose. This rhetorical cannon can help you outside the classroom as
well. Being able to recall previous knowledge and experience, and apply it to real world
situations is a skill set that is highly valued.
Delivery is the rhetorical cannon that utilizes the design elements of a document and
projects it in such a way that ties the main points together. Using emotions and credible sources
can bolster effectiveness of the project. Manipulating emotions is usually conducted through the
medium of images or videos. For example during MWA#3s power point many speakers used an
emotional video from a credible organization to further their main points. This guides the reader
to the desired conclusion. In a real-world situation outside of the class room delivery can be of
great use in the work place. Using delivery to make informed decisions about a certain situation
at work or at home can mean the difference between being bogged down by stress or being
content. Understanding Emotion and reasonable arguments concerning various groups is very
important for this rhetorical situation to be effective.
These rhetorical cannons are a useful tools in the academic life and the work place. Even
a basic understanding of these can lead to the road of success. During this semester of English
219 I have learned so much through these rhetorical cannons from brainstorming to presenting
PowerPoints. Without the knowledge learned through these canons my writing skills would be
dull and terse. Continuing to exercise these cannons will increase an understanding of the
relations between peoples viewpoints, rhetorical situations, and real world situations. In
conclusion these cannons are vital for a writers purpose to be effective and practicing them will
for certain double your odds at achieving your goals in life.